KAMEHAMEHA HIGH SCHOOL, VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
SCHOOL YEAR 2018-2019 | COURSE SUMMARY | PHOTOGRAPHY II
OVERVIEW
Photography II is a one-semester course that expands on ideas and techniques introduced in Photography I. This course will teach students to work independently on visual projects each quarter, developing skills in the following modes of photographic communication: landscapes, portraiture, still-lives, and color theory. In the first quarter, students will produce prints using primarily film photographic techniques with the opportunity to use different types of cameras, film, lenses, and studio lighting equipment. The second quarter will introduce students to a digital workflow and with the intention of putting together a portfolio of their best work. For the final project, Photo II students will put up a public display on campus exhibiting their portfolio at the end of the semester.
Students who wish to further their photographic explorations may take Independent Study with teacher approval. Independent Study requires students to be self-motivated and work independently on extended photographic projects. Students must get teacher approval before registering for more photo courses.
Photography I is a prerequisite for Photography II.
Integration of Technology
Kamehameha Schools provides access to many technological tools to enhance the teaching and learning process such as laptops, online resources, BlackBoard, probes, etc. We support the integration of technology as a critical component in preparing students to thrive in our global society. As appropriate to each course, teachers will provide further classroom expectations and guidelines as to the extent technology (e.g. laptops, websites, BlackBoard, etc) will be utilized for research, instruction, assessment, and communication purposes.
COURSE GOALS
Students will be able to:
- demonstrate mastery of advanced printing techniques involving dodging, burning and filtration.
- demonstrate mastery of software and technology related to digital image processing
- demonstrate the understanding and effective use of all relevant elements and principles of composition
- demonstrate strong evidence of original thought and willingness to explore various creative approaches.
- demonstrate craftsmanship in the finish or surface quality of their work.
- demonstrate an ability to critique work, both their own and the work of others.
- produce a portfolio of exhibition-quality prints that meet recognized criteria of visual excellence, as detailed in the Visual Arts Department Rubric.
- exhibit their prints at the end of the semester at locations determined by the instructor.
COURSE MATERIALS
Required camera: Manual SLR.
Students will be loaned a manual SLR camera with a lens, filter, lens cap, and case. Its replacement cost is between $250 and $550. If students lose the camera, their parents will be billed and another will be loaned to them, if one is available. If one is not available, they may need to arrange to borrow one from a friend in the course, or to rent one in order to complete assignments. All tests are based on material in the text, and all photo assignments are based on the use of a non-automatic SLR camera.
Parents will be assessed a $35 lab fee, which will cover the following materials:
- 50 sheets of 8″x10″ photo paper
- up to 10 rolls of film
- all chemicals
- negative sleeves
These supplies should be more than enough to allow for all assignments during the semester. Those who need more than the allotted supplies may need to purchase them from a camera store in order to complete course assignments.
In addition, students are provided a locker to store their photography materials, but must provide their own lock. Students also need an indelible marking pen, such as a Sharpie brand pen, and a flash/thumb drive during the second quarter when they start working on digital files. Students may want to bring an apron to protect clothes from chemicals and stains in the darkroom.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Participation
Advanced students are expected to help beginning students whenever possible. Like all students, they are expected to use class time responsibly. Those who do not work on photography assignments on lab days may receive a zero for the day in the participation category. Advanced students have a lot of freedom and leeway in the course, but they must work on photography assignments every period, all period. If they have free time, extra credit becomes mandatory.
Stay in class
Instructors are responsible for knowing where you are at all times during class. Never leave class early and never leave the classroom / studio / lab area without permission. If you are not where you are supposed to be, you may be marked cut and receive a grade drop. If you are going down the hall (briefly) to get a drink of water or go to the bathroom, just let the instructor know first.
Leave work areas neat
You are expected to pick up after yourself. Consideration for others is an important part of this course.
Any student who deliberately destroys, alters, or tampers with another student’s artwork will face serious disciplinary consequences, which may include conduct probation or suspension.
Turn in original work
Review the student code of conduct on page 38 of your student handbook, where you will find the definition of plagiarism. You must turn in contact sheets and photographs that have been taken by no one else. “Borrowing” a print or negative that does not belong to you will result in a grade of “0” for the assignment. Continued plagiarism/borrowing may result in a referral to the Admin office and a failing grade for the quarter. In order to avoid confusion, never share the same roll of film with another student. Contact sheets are collected with each assignment to ensure students are turning in work that belongs only to them.
Use the required camera
A large part of students’ grades are based on their understanding and correct operation of a manual SLR camera, therefore students are required to use the camera that they are loaned at the beginning of the semester, or one approved by the teacher. Throughout the semester, Photo II students will be introduced to different lenses, films, cameras, and lighting equipment, which they are welcome to use for class projects.
Check KS e-mail
Students are expected to activate and use their KS e-mail accounts, since some of the photo instructors e-mail grade updates and other information.
Help
Because you are an advanced student, you are expected to work independently. Most of your instructor’s class time needs to be devoted to beginning students. If you do need help, be sure to ask, and be willing to come in after school or during a free period.
Procrastination
Sometimes students procrastinate. Even though the assignments are not demanding, they put off doing them until the last moment. This is a really bad idea in this course. It takes time to take a roll of film, develop it, make a contact sheet and then make prints. After the first few weeks, late work receives less credit. If you are taking two or three rolls at once, your work may receive a lower grade just because you hurried and your work shows it. Keep up with assignments. Come in after school once or twice to finish your work if necessary.
GRADE CATEGORIES AND WEIGHTS
Components of grades:
Quarter averages are calculated using these weights:
Participation 40%
Projects 60%
TOTAL 100%
The “participation” category includes effective use of class time, written project proposals and evaluations, and some of the “student responsibilities” listed above, especially helping the beginning students.
The semester final counts for 20% of your semester grade, and each quarter counts for 40%.
The Grade Scale
Quarter and semester grades are assigned based on a standard grading scale:
| Letter Grade | Point Range | Range in Percentages | Letter Grade | Point Range | Range in Percentages | |
| A | 4.0 | 93-100% | C | 2.0 | 73-76% | |
| A- | 3.7 | 90-92% | C- | 1.7 | 70-72% | |
| B+ | 3.3 | 87-89% | D+ | 1.3 | 67-69% | |
| B | 3.0 | 83-86% | D | 1.0 | 63-66% | |
| B- | 2.7 | 80-82% | D- | 0.7 | 60-62% | |
| C+ | 2.3 | 77-79% | F | 0.0 | 0-59% |
Students’ overall averages will benefit if they always make an effort to turn in something. Even a grade of “50” is far better than a “0.”
If You Want To Find Out Your Current Grade
Instructors calculate averages about half way through the quarter, when several grades in each category (tests, participation and projects) are available, and several times more before the end of the quarter. If students want to know their current averages, they can use the information above to calculate it, or ask instructors for it.
Extra Credit Policy
Students are welcomed and encouraged to do extra-credit work, as long as they do not use extra credit to avoid turning in assigned projects. Extra credit is only for those who have completed all their regular assignments. All extra credit is due at least one week before the end of the quarter. Students must talk with their teacher before starting an extra-credit assignment.
Policy On Make-Up Work
Instructors accept late work, up to one week before the end of the quarter. The later the work is, the less credit it will receive. (Grades drop one grade per week.) However, it is always better to turn in work late than not at all. If students are absent, it is their responsibility to obtain missed assignments as soon as they return, and to arrange a reasonable due date with instructors. Students with planned absences (school-related trips, athletic events, family vacations, etc.) must turn in assignments before their absences. Exams missed due to excused absences must be made up the same day the student returns, unless a medical reason makes this impossible. An unexcused absence will result in a “0” for the missed exam.
Study Help Information
Students should be able to complete all assignments using scheduled, in-class lab time. However, if they need to use the lab during a free period or after school, instructors will make it available as often as possible. Extra lab use and study help should be arranged in advance.